Danny Gottlieb: Airto Aids

By Danny Gottlieb

Originally Published In DRUM! Magazine's January 2011 Issue

Essential for the modern jazz drummer is knowledge
of Brazilian drumming styles. While it’s important to study early
jazz recordings of the ’60s, when Stan Getz popularized the samba,
jazz drumming took a giant step forward when Brazilian
percussionist/drummer Airto Moreira recorded with Chick Corea. The two
essential recordings are Return To Forever, and Light As A
Feather. There are three basic rhythms to master: the bossa nova,
the samba, and the baião. Ex. 1 illustrates a basic bossa nova. The bass
drum should be played evenly with all limbs. Ex. 2 is a basic samba,
with a heavier accent in the bass drum on the 3 of each
measure, simulating the Brazilian surdo drum. Exs. 3 and 4 illustrate
the basic baião with two different cymbal rhythms, and Ex. 5 is a
classic samba played by Airto.